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Make it rain

Q: I work with several massive Excel workbooks that
contain large quantities of data consisting of many millions of rows,
contained in multiple workbooks. As our data continues to grow, I find
my current computer system to be inadequate. I need a computer that is
not only powerful, but also can handle a large volume of RAM. Price is
not a significant issue in this matter; therefore, short of purchasing
a Cray supercomputer, do you have any brand suggestions that might
best meet my needs?

A: Like you, I appreciate a powerful PC, and I
applaud your desire to equip yourself with the best tool for the job.
Over the years I have encountered many CPAs who insist that the speed
of computers, printers, or the internet is not an important factor,
only to see them change their tune after using a fast computer,
printer, and internet access. Once they understand how productive a
fast system can be, they are usually no longer satisfied with their
slower computer systems.

Rain computers are primarily targeted toward the high-end
audiovisual industry, but they are well-suited to be high-end business
computers. Other high-performance desktop computer manufacturers
include Alienware (alienware.com),
targeted primarily for the PC gaming industry, and Maingear (maingear.com), targeted primarily for
business professionals.

The results of the 2016 presidential election are likely to have a big impact on federal tax policy in the coming years. Eddie Adkins, CPA, a partner in the Washington National Tax Office at Grant Thornton, discusses what parts of the ACA might survive the repeal of most of the law.

Even as the IRS reported on success in reducing tax return identity theft in the 2016 season, the Service also warned tax professionals about yet another email phishing scam. See how much you know about recent news with this short quiz.